Teachers, Students advised to use help services available

Ministry of Education is advising teachers and students to seek assistance from the National Substance Abuse Advisory Council if need be. Assistant minister Joseph Nand said the council was a statutory body within the Ministry. It provided counselling sessions for those facing emotional problems or any other family or work related issues.

He made the statement after a kindergarten teacher of a school in the Macuata Province allegedly committed suicide in her quarters last Sunday.

Mr Nand confirmed that he was aware of the incident and the case was handled by Police.

“We value all teachers as important human resources and as employees.

“We do our due diligence in assisting our staff when and where the need arises.” He said it was only a matter of fact that people must seek services that were readily available.

Divisional Police Commander (DPC) Northern Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Eparama Waqa confirmed the incident. He said it was a suicide case.

How to get help

For assistance, teachers and students can call Toll Free Helpline 162 (for Teachers) and 163 (for Parents and Students).